Top neurosurgeon to speak during UTPA International Week

EDINBURG — A leading neurosurgeon and brain cancer researcher will be the University of Texas-Pan American’s next Distinguished Speaker Tuesday.

Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa is an associate professor of neurosurgery and oncology at Johns Hopkins University and serves as the director of the brain tumor program at the university’s Bayview campus. He is an expert in treating spinal, brainstem and eloquent tumors in adults. He also researches the role of stem cells in the origin of brain tumors and the potential role they can play in fighting brain cancer and regaining neurological function, according to biographical information UTPA sent.

On Tuesday, Quiñones will deliver his speech, “Beyond the Borders of the Mind: Tertiary Care Centers in the 21st Century,” at 7:30 p.m. at the university’s Fine Arts Auditorium, according to UTPA.

Quiñones, a native of Mexico, came to the United States illegally when he was 19 years old seeking a better life. He worked as a farm worker and a welder for a rail road crew before returning to school. He attended Harvard University’s medical school, where he graduated cum laude. Since then, he has won numerous awards for his work and has become a naturalized citizen, according to biographical information from Johns Hopkins University.

His speech coincides with the university’s International Week, which begins today (Monday). In its ninth year, the celebration’s theme this year is Global Health and Welfare.

Each year, the university focuses its weeklong event on issues that affect all of humanity. Last year the theme focused on human rights, and two years ago it focused on the environment.

With issues like the H1N1 flu virus and the national healthcare debate in the limelight, focusing on health was a no-brainer, according to the university.

“Nothing could be ore important than health,” said Tanzeer Ahmed, program coordinator for the university’s Office of International Programs.

International Week will include more than 60 events including lectures, seminars and panel discussions on a variety of health issues, from disparities in health care among different cultural and socioeconomic groups to handling pandemic illnesses, according to the office’s Web site.

The event will also include a global cultural fair and international food tasting Thursday and a community health and wellness day Friday.

For more information, visit http://www.utpa.edu/dept/internationalprograms/intlWeek/detailedschedule.asp.

If you go:

What: UTPA Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17

Where: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium

Cost: free admission

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.